Starr Labs Introduces Z6 and Z6-S MIDI Guitar Controllers
 |
| Z6 |
 |
| Z6-S |
February 14, 2001
The Z6 is Starr Labs' newest model and offers all of the newest improvements to the
Ztar Fingerboard, Triggers, hardware, and software. The instrument has a
small body featuring a shaped top. Only the Joystick and Volume Pot are
installed on the top of the Z6 to keep a clean uncluttered look. The
Function Keys and Display/Programmer are mounted in the sidewall of the
instrument for easy viewing and access.
The Z6-S mounts six StringTriggers,
velocity-sensing strings of any type or guage. A new optical pickup system,
advanced preamp, and processing algorithm contribute to their fastest, most
sensitive and reliable triggering system ever. The Z6-S has no Expression
Pads installed in the standard configuration. Six Pads may be added
however, with the addition of Starr Labs' TouchPadArray assembly, a 6-position
array of pressure- and velocity-sensing rubber pads that mounts above the
stringTrigger pickup assembly, arranged ergonomically to be played by the
right hand by either tapping or pressing lightly. The unit shown has a
4-pole joystick mounted in the PalmWhammy configuration that allows
dropping your wrist while picking to feed in pitchbend and other
programmable effects.
The Z6 is equipped with KeyTriggers, six raised 5" long rubber strum-bars that
may be played with the fingers by tapping down or strumming across them.
They are fast and sensitive and allow additional after-pressure features to
be utilized. Six 1" rubber Expression Pads are installed as well. An
optional configutration shortens the StringTriggers to 1.5" and adds six
more Expression Pads for less "strumming" area in exchange for more
available MIDI controllers. A NeckSensor pressure-strip or Breath
Controller is also available as a standard option to the Z6 This unit has
a connection for the Breath-pipe mounted nest to the rear strap-peg.
Both of these models offer a touch-sensitive fingerboard that can play
multiple-notes-per-string and is easily set up for tapping-style
performance. The fingerboard may be zoned, layered, and tuned in hundreds
of different ways. Chords and sequences may be easily programmed to be
played from the various Sensors on the Z6. Because the Ztar uses keyboard
technology, there are no glitching, tracking, or timing issues that are
found with other guitar controllers. For more information, visit their web site at www.starrlabs.com. |
